“By Life or by Death”

Dr. Richard Strauss served as Emmanuel Faith’s lead pastor from 1972 to 1993. He had a doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary and was lovingly referred to by many in our congregation as “Doc Strauss” or simply “Doc.” He had a deep passion for the Bible and an exceptional gift for expository preaching. From the very first time my wife and I heard Doc preach, we felt that God was calling us to make Emmanuel Faith our church home. In addition to delivering insightful sermons each week, Doc authored numerous books filled with practical guidance for the Christian life. He was a pastor who loved his flock. We loved him too.

One Sunday in September 1989, Doc Strauss announced from the pulpit that he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Despite extensive medical treatments over the next four years, he continued to preach faithfully to his flock, eventually becoming so weak he had to sit on a stool to preach. One of the most memorable moments for our congregation came when Doc Strauss said “I’ve taught you how to live, now I’m going to teach you how to die.” And that’s truly what he did. Pastor Strauss entered heaven on September 11, 1993. He gave us a real-life example of what the Apostle Paul wrote about in Philippians 1:20, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Philippians 1:20 should inspire each of us to seek to glorify Jesus Christ in our own life, even during the most difficult times in our journey. We might like to think it’s easier to exalt Christ when things are going well in our life, but in reality we can glorify him even during the most difficult of circumstances. The trials in your life may be times when you have the greatest opportunity to exalt Christ, especially if other people can observe peace and joy in your heart as you walk through a trial with the Lord at your side.

I pray that in every stage of your life, and whatever circumstances you may encounter, you will remain steadfast in your faith and filled with inner joy so that your walk will be a witness to others and bring much glory to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dave Korinek

by Dave Korinek

Courageous Deliverance

Have you ever experienced suffering that seems like it will never end? A time when you longed for deliverance but the end just didn’t seem to be in sight. Webster's tells us that suffering implies, “conscious endurance of pain or distress.” The word endurance indicates the suffering will likely not be over quickly, but will rather require stamina - “the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort”. Scripture frequently uses the literal example of prison to communicate a state of suffering, yet “prison” can come in many shapes and forms.

Some of you may be experiencing an internal prison; daily living with the agony of longing for emotional deliverance, crying out to the Lord for freedom, but waking up in the same cage day after day.

Others live in bodily captivity due to a chronic illness or injury. Your mind works and longs for healing, but your body is trapped with a disability that it can’t control. This prison is often terminal and may never result in physical freedom here on this earth. The only option is to courageously endure.

How about a circumstantial prison? Every day you go to a difficult job with a difficult boss in a difficult setting. Then repeat. You don’t feel heard or valued and the end is simply not in sight. Or maybe the search for the job is what seems endless and every apparent open door slams in your face.

Then there are relational prisons; living daily in relationships that you know are unhealthy but seem impossible to change. You may know what needs to be said, but the fear of being unsafe or misunderstood prevents you from speaking the truth which you know could ultimately produce wholeness and health but just isn’t worth the risk.

The prisons we experience are endless. They are areas in our lives where we long for freedom but for one reason or another, we are trapped and unable to find deliverance.

Paul’s imprisonment was an actual Roman prison. He didn’t know when it would end, but he was confident that it would; whether by life or by death. In Philippians 1:19, Paul says, “For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” Paul is writing to the Church in Philippi asking for prayer because he believes in it! Furthermore, he is confident that God will provide through the Spirit of Jesus Christ. His conclusion? Deliverance.

What prison are you facing today? Who have you asked to pray for you? How is God providing within that prison? How is the Spirit of Jesus helping you to endure? Friend, may you have courage for the journey - your God’s purposes will prevail.

Lynette Fuson
Care & Counseling Director

by Lynette Fuson

“By Hook or by Crook”

First recorded in the Middle English Controversial Tracts of John Wyclif in 1380, the phrase that titles today’s devotional means, as you might conclude, something along the lines of “by any means necessary.” While it perfectly summarizes Paul’s strategy for ensuring that “Christ is preached,” it also presents us with some challenging things to think about when we consider what it might look like to adopt this same perspective and goal for “getting the word out.”

I have two thoughts I’d like to submit for consideration. First, and I don’t want to go too far with this, we are a people who put a lot of weight on motives. Sometimes we'll argue that why someone does something is more important than what someone does. These verses raise the question, “Is it?”, because Paul throws a lot of cold water on that line of thinking. And so, while correctly assessing motives, he essentially says he doesn’t care. It only matters that Christ is preached, by “any means necessary”, “by hook or by crook”. Paul cares that the message is accurate, not that the heart is right.

I have to ask, “What do you think about that?”

The second thought I have has to do with answering the question, “How can we continue to grow more like Paul and share his desire to see the gospel preached, even at our own expense?”

How would you answer that?

It seems the best response would be to pray God continues to build us into men and women more concerned about the message getting out than about the motives of the messenger or the personal costs we might incur. We know Paul was a guy who was “all in.” We know he was willing to die for Christ and the message of the gospel. It wasn’t like he was willing to sacrifice his life as long as people’s hearts were in the right place as they preached. He wasn’t willing to sacrifice his life for the why but for the what. And herein lies the prayer, perhaps - that our passion for the what would supersede our concern for the why.

Something to think about as you go about your day. God bless and I’ll see you along the way.

Scott Smith
Care Pastor

by Scott Smith

Opposite Day

"Hey Mom, can I eat candy for breakfast?" - my son.
"No way!" - me.
"Haha, today is 'Opposite Day,' so 'no' means 'yes!'" - my son squeals with delight.
Anyone with elementary school children has likely had some version of this conversation. "Opposite Day" humorously encapsulates days when everything seems contrary to expectations. This notion often mirrors how God operates.

Consider Philippians 1:13-14:
"As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."

Wouldn’t you have expected the believers would be afraid and discouraged by Paul’s arrest and quietly disburse? The Romans believed this would happen or they would not have arrested him. But in the spiritual realm, expressing faith in God despite circumstances being painful and difficult does change things. Paul's imprisonment, instead of deterring the Gospel, emboldened other believers. God's ways often reflect this "Opposite Day" effect. The last will be first, His power is perfected in weakness, and the humble shame the proud.

In my own life, I have experienced this "opposite" spiritual effect. Painful and humbling circumstances, which I never anticipated, have tested me on every level—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. There were times I felt disqualified from being used by God because of these circumstances. Yet, God transformed my most challenging moments into the very thing that allowed me to be of the most help and encouragement to others facing the same difficulties. What felt like the very thing disqualifying me from being a voice for the Lord, turned out to be the very thing giving me a voice.

When we face trials or suffering, our instinct is often to question, “Why?”. We worry somehow we have made a misstep and the adverse circumstance is some form of correction or punishment from God. Rarely do we consider our suffering might serve to strengthen the faith of others. During trials, we might withdraw from fellowship out of shame or a sense of inadequacy. When we lose a job or face financial difficulties, do we believe God is using us to strengthen others, or do we feel inferior? When a marriage falters or a child goes astray, do we see these challenges as opportunities for God to strengthen others' faith, or do we fear judgment and pull back? We often worry our struggles might discourage the faith of others, but Philippians 1:13-14 shows that our steadfast trust in God amidst difficulties encourages and strengthens others.

Just as Paul faithfully endured imprisonment, resulting in increased faith among believers, we can trust God to work similarly in our challenges as we continue to trust Him, praise Him, and seek His guidance. As we rely on God in difficult times, the spiritual realm takes notice, and the kingdom of darkness is pushed back. May we encourage and strengthen others as well as ourselves through our patient faith in God, knowing He delights in turning things upside down.

Jenn Witmondt
Associate Counselor

by Jenn Witmondt

NO THANK YOU

For some, the idea of a good time is accomplishing some tremendous feat of great struggle or even physical pain - think extreme athlete or marathon runner. Truth is, most of us enjoy a good challenge and the sense of achievement it produces. It’s not the pain we enjoy, it’s the result we cherish; the fitness, the confidence, the beautiful view from a mountain top. But in all these examples, the pain endured and the difficulty of the endeavor is all planned and essentially under our control. But what about pain we didn’t ask for, or struggles that don’t have a mileage marker end in sight? If you’re like me, I say, “NO THANK YOU,” to that kind of suffering.

In this passage, Paul’s suffering in prison is hardly of his own desire or initiative. Paul would much rather be leading churches and proclaiming the gospel to anyone who has ears to hear. So why does God allow such a successful church planter and apostle to be sidelined in prison? Theories abound on that question, I’ll wait until eternity for the answer. But in the meantime, there are powerful lessons for us to consider on this topic. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it is abundantly clear Paul is refusing to let his present control of the situation, or lack thereof, deter him from maintaining a joyful attitude and curiosity about how God will use his “chains.” Paul’s imprisonment seems humanly disastrous to the advancement of the gospel and bringing lost people into the health and healing of a loving Christian community. We gain a glimpse into Paul’s perspective through verse 14. Here Paul delights in the increasing fearless confidence of believers to share the gospel because of his chains. Naturally, we would assume that Paul’s imprisonment would deter gospel proclamation, that’s exactly why Rome put Paul in chains. But just the opposite is taking place! More people are boldly stepping out in faith and sharing the gospel precisely because of Paul’s chains. God gave Paul eyes to see the good happening through his physical suffering.

I know a young man who desired to be a pastor. Early in his adolescence he lost the function of his legs and has been confined to a wheelchair ever since. People encouraged him to pursue an academic or pulpit ministry, but this young man wanted to work with youth. Many skeptics felt he was setting himself up for further disappointment because he can’t participate in the kinds of physical activities most youth pastors use to build relationships with students. To many of his early critics' amazement, he has one of the most successful youth ministries today because of his limitations. His suffering gives him unique access to building relationships with students - while their pain and insecurities may be invisible, their youth pastor’s suffering is undeniable. Youth flock to him because of his chains and he proclaims the gospel fearlessly to a population of students who long for joy that surpasses physical capability or beauty.

May God grant you the eyes to see the work that God is doing in you and through you precisely because of your chains.

Jaisen Fuson
Elder

by Jaisen Fuson

Fruitful Righteousness

Has there been someone in your life who seemed different in a good way? I have met many people whose lives reflect their abiding relationship with the Lord. Their demeanor, attitude, and countenance all point to their connection with Jesus. If you ask them why, you will hear testimonies of Jesus' work in their lives or significant experiences that shaped their behavior and thinking. What we witness in them is the fruit of Christ’s righteousness being produced. I never met the Apostle Paul in person, but from everything I have studied, he was one of these people.

Romans 1:17 reminds us that righteousness comes through faith, and of course, it matters greatly in whom you place your faith! Hebrews 12:11 speaks of how learning from discipline leads to the “peaceful fruit of righteousness.” God’s love allows us to face trials or discipline so we can be filled with the fruit that only Jesus provides. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts to help us remain faithful, enabling righteousness to produce good for those around us. This is evident when peace that surpasses understanding or contentment during life's storms is reflected in the life of a Christ follower. It can be challenging to focus on our Savior during tough times, but when we do, He transforms us. He also typically does this for the sake of others, not just our own.

Paul did not strive for perfection, nor did he expect the Philippians to be perfect. Instead, he encouraged them to love well, discern wisely, and walk with Jesus so their lives would produce something extraordinary. Paul rejoiced in hearing how they were living in the fruit of righteousness, even as he wrote while being imprisoned. His joy serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not dictated by circumstances. Jesus works in and for us regardless of our situation.

Take a moment to reflect on your walk with Jesus lately. What has He been saying to you? How has that influenced your thoughts and feelings? What steps will you take in light of this?

Simple reflection and these straightforward questions can deepen your relationship with Jesus, allow Him to work in and through you, and enable you to experience the fruit of righteousness. I pray that His love is poured out upon you, empowering you to share it freely with those around you.

Pastor Jeremy Johnson

by Jeremy Johnson

Approving the Excellent

I always appreciate the reminder offered in the old aphorism about strengthening our love with truth and softening our truth with love. The verses we’re looking at this week address another complement to love: discernment. Does love lead to discernment or is it the other way around: discernment enhances and strengthens love? Probably both. It seems safe to say that healthy love requires discernment and that without love, discernment is short-sighted and undependable. Discernment strengthens love and love deepens discernment. May your love abound, more and more, with knowledge and all discernment!

Over the last couple of days, we explored the link between love and discernment, or insight, that Paul lays out in verse 9 of chapter 1. Toward what end? Verse 10 says “So you may approve what is excellent.” The New International Version reads “So that you may be able to discern what is best…” Oh, to have that level of insight and clarity! To know what is best and be able to determine the best course of action. How would it enhance our lives to have the ability to make consistently sound decisions?

Studies suggest that adults make more than 30,000 choices every day. Here we read about a path for increasing the likelihood of making wise choices—decisions that lead to positive outcomes. Facts and knowledge certainly help when making decisions, but discernment and wisdom go deeper–especially when laid over a foundation of love. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the details of life and allow ourselves to react rather than take a step back, take in the whole picture, and respond in love, asking for discernment.

As love overflows our lives and we engage in strong decision-making skills, we will, according to Paul, experience the “excellent” life God has planned for us. Not the “easy” life or the “pleasant” life–but the wondrous life that allows us to reach our full potential and experience all God has planned for us, aligned as we are with the master plan.

May your love abound, more and more, with knowledge and all discernment!

Pastor Ryan Paulson
(Written before he went on sabbatical)

by Ryan Paulson

Divine Discernment

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

As I read those verses I thought . . .knowledge without wisdom and discernment is just knowing facts. Discernment sifts through the facts to find the truth and wisdom knows what to do with it.

(What do you think about discernment, wisdom, and knowledge and what do they have to do with abundant love?)

I read Phil. 1:9 again and thought knowledge and discernment = abundant love. Hmmm. Does that mean biblical knowledge alone doesn’t really help us love others or even apply scripture to our own lives? I would say yes because I’ve known people who have much scriptural knowledge yet aren’t kind (let alone loving) to the people around them, especially those closest to them. So, they lack discernment and wisdom because they aren’t able to apply scripture to their daily lives. I’ve been dealing with practicing what I preach in my own life lately. How about you?

To love myself and others, I have to dig deeper into the Word to know Jesus and understand the attributes of God. Sometimes I need to talk it through with another believer wiser than myself to understand the meaning of some Scripture. Only as I learn for myself who Jesus is, can I understand God's love for me, be more like him, and love other people like he does.

First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).

Spiritual discernment is a way to perceive the wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-6) that God speaks to us all day long in the Scripture. Listening to the” still small voice” of the Holy Spirit requires us to be still ourselves, and be aware of the small things in our daily lives that contain wisdom.

Henri Nouwen wrote “When we are rooted in prayer and solitude and form part of a community of faith, certain signs are given to us in daily life as we struggle for answers to spiritual questions. The books we read, the nature we enjoy, the people we meet, and the events we experience contain within themselves signs of God’s presence and guidance day by day.”

That says it so well.

Father, please help us to be still, dig deeper into scripture, seek your wisdom, and receive divine discernment.

Deb Hill
Assistant to Ryan Paulson

by Deb Hill